Newton City Council OKs $100k to move Accessible Pedestrian Signal program forward

Julie M. Cohen jcohen@wickedlocal.com

Tuesday

Dec 4, 2018 at 6:00 AM

The City Council recently approved the transfer of $100,000 from the budget reserve to help fund the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at multiple intersections. The Tab recently spoke with Jason S. Sobel, director of transportation operations for the Department of Public Works, about the project and its progress.

What is the purpose of the Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)?

The purpose is to assist visually impaired pedestrians to safely cross at signalized intersections. This is done with both an audible locator tone to help visually impaired residents find the pedestrian push button, and audible messages to let pedestrians know when it is safe to cross.

How much does each one cost?

The cost to replace all the pedestrian push buttons at an intersection with APS buttons is generally $6,000 - $8,000 per intersection, depending on the number of pedestrian push buttons at that intersection.

How many will there be throughout the city once the project is done?

There are approximately 100 signalized intersections in the City of Newton, and approximately half of the signalized intersections already have APS push buttons. The $100k that has been approved by City Council is the funding for the first of three years, with the goal to have APS push buttons at all of the signalized intersections at the end of the three years.

When will the project be done?

The project is expected to be complete in three years, when APS push buttons are installed at every signalized intersection in Newton.

How are the intersections chosen?

The intersections are chosen based on discussions between DPW, the Planning Department, and the city’s ADA coordinator [Commission on Disability]. These discussions focus on the priority locations to complete first, although as noted above, the goal is to install APS push buttons at all signalized intersections in the City of Newton.

Can residents propose intersections where they think the signals are needed?

Residents can reach out to the city’s ADA Coordinator, Jini Fairley, with locations that they think should be prioritized. However, as noted above, our goal is to install APS push buttons at every signalized intersection in Newton over the next three years.